Illinois car crash lawyer representing injured Cicero woman

Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes often work on auto accident claims. One case we are handling stems from a collision in North Riverside, Illinois that took place October 31, 2011 at approximately 9:22 p.m.

Our client was driving westbound on Cermak in her 2012 Mazda 3, approaching its intersection with 1st Avenue. The light at 1st Avenue was red, so she slowed down and brought her vehicle to a stop at the intersection. The at fault driver was traveling eastbound on Cermak in a 2010 Chevy HHR. He also had a red light but disregarded it, entered the intersection and struck a vehicle traveling northbound on 1st Avenue. The defendant then crossed into the westbound lanes of Cermak and struck our client’s vehicle. Her head hit the driver’s side window of her car and her body jerked from side-to-side. The force of the collision was so great that it pushed her vehicle into another car on westbound Cermak.

The North Riverside Police Department responded to the scene of the motor vehicle collision. After speaking with the parties involved, the responding officer determined the defendant caused the collision by disregarding traffic signals.

Our office is alleging to the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier that he failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop and/or reduce his speed to avoid a collision, failed to stop at a red light, failed to yield the right-of-way, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area.

Following the collision, our client had an immediate onset of pain. Shortly thereafter she sought treatment at the MacNeal Hospital Emergency Department. Upon arrival at the ER, a history was taken, she was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed. She complained of a severe headache and pain on the left side of her body. She underwent a head CT scan and a physical examination. She was diagnosed with a contusion of her head, prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxants, and instructed to seek follow up treatment from a physician.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, she sought follow up treatment with a medical doctor on October 3, 2011. At that time, she complained of severe headaches as well as neck pain, shoulder pain, left hip pain, and back pain. Her pain was worse with twisting and bending motions. A history was taken and she was examined. Her physician diagnosed her with cervical brachial syndrome, thoracic sprain/strain, cervical cranial syndrome, and facet syndrome. He instructed her to begin a course of physical therapy to reduce her pain and discomfort.

Pursuant to doctor’s orders, the plaintiff engaged a course of physical therapy beginning on November 3, 2011. She engaged in six (6) therapy sessions through November 23, 2011, at which time she was discharged.

As a result of the collision, our client incurred over $5,000 in medical bills so far. She is still having occasional pain, so it is likely she could have more medical treatment in the future.

The defendant is insured by USAA.

In other car crash news at our office, we recently settled a lawsuit on behalf of a suburban resident who was injured in a 2008 collision in Park Ridge, Illinois. In this case the defendant rear-ended the plaintiff in traffic.

After the incident the Park Ridge Police Department responded to the scene. The at fault driver was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. He later pleaded guilty in court.

Our client was taken to Resurrection Medical Center by ambulance with back and neck injuries, headaches and left shoulder pain. She later followed up with a medical doctor in Park Ridge.

The case was settled after a period of litigation in court, and State Farm Insurance paid on the claim.

If you have been hurt by a negligent motorist in the Chicago area, contact the accident attorneys at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. The appointment can be over the phone, at our office, or we offer home and/or hospital visits for those who are too injured to travel. Call us at 312-475-9596 to speak to a lawyer now.